Skin stem cells may restore MS brain

Multiple sclerosis is a scary condition: the causes are largely unknown, there is no cure and there is a strong possibility that the disease could result in the loss of some body functions, including the ability to walk. But doctors Doctors from the University of Rochester Medical Center may have discovered a new way to restore functionality to a diseased MS brain.

The researchers used human skin cells and converted them to stem cells in an attempt to repair destroyed myelin (insulation around the nerves in the brain). Stem cells developed in this manner are capable of becoming any other type of cell in the body, including myelin.

Though the study was performed in mice, these discoveries provide hope for MS patients. If doctors can find a way to restore myelin, MS patients could see significant improvement in their conditions.